‘Beyond believable’: Community rallies behind Lincoln nonprofit after HVAC system is stolen

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A local nonprofit is heating up — and not in the way they expected.

Volunteers with Domesti-PUPS were preparing for a big weekend of fundraising when they noticed how hot it was inside their building on Saturday.

“We came outside, and I don’t know if anybody had it in their mind that perhaps this could happen; I don’t think anybody expected it,” said Paula Harre, a volunteer with the organization. “But suddenly, this is what we’re facing. Somebody came and stole our air conditioning units.”

The nonprofit works with dogs around the capital city, training them to become therapy and service animals for people with special needs.

Harre said they noticed the wires that connect the HVAC system to the building had been cut. They believe it happened early Friday morning.

“We were shocked at first, of course,” she said. “And there were some tears, a lot of hugging. A lot of wondering, ‘What do we do?’ and ‘How do we pay for this?'”

The organization filed a police report and posted the incident on social media to ask for a little help from the community.

“Between the outer units and the inner workings that will need to be replaced, it’s probably going to be around $30,000,” Harre said.

Domesti-PUPS held a garage sale on Sunday to raise money for their mission.

Harre said the response was overwhelming, with people stopping in all morning.

“It’s been so wonderful. Some people have walked in and just given us a little money which is just beyond believable,” she said.

One woman said she came to donate after seeing the report of the theft on Channel 8.

“I heard on the news last night about the AC units being stolen, and I know Domesti-PUPS does a lot for the local community, for those that need therapy dogs,” said Caroline O’Malley. “I also do training here for the Greater Lincoln Obedience Club, and it really throws a loop into the dog community.”

Domesti-PUPS is also looking to add extra security to prevent this from happening again when they replace the units.

The nonprofit is throwing a “Raise the Woof” tailgate on Sept. 12, with hopes of raising more money for the mission.